Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025Looking for bipolar disorder help in Philadelphia? You’re in the right place. Find trusted local therapists, psychiatrists, and support resources for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Explore nearby options, compare services, and take the next step toward stability, support, and effective bipolar care.
Pre-Licensed Professional
1500 John F Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Marcio Costa is a Pre-Licensed Professional in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has been in practice for 16 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Men's Issues, Women's Issues.
In my psychoanalytic practice, I welcome patients of all identities and backgrounds to listen and work on their repressed feelings, ideas, and potential.
Sport Psychologist
Remote only
Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Life Transitions, Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED).
Licensed clinical sports psychologist, specializing in mental health treatment and performance enhancement in elite athletes
Psychologist
Remote only
Joanne Perilstein is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, School Concerns, Self-Esteem.
Therapy tailor-made to fit your needs, strengths, and goals.
Psychotherapist, Psychologist
255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Men's Issues, College and School Placement.
Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.
Psychiatrist
1015 15th Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20005
Derrick Brooks is a Psychiatrist in Washington, District of Columbia and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Grief and Loss.
I offer services to those seeking a physician with insight and experience in treating a wide range of conditions.
Counselor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist
Remote only
Robert Buzan is a Counselor in undefined, undefined. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Performance Anxiety, Peer Difficulties.
I am a clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with college students via telehealth. I welcome clients of all backgrounds.
Navigating Bipolar disorder therapy options in Philadelphia can start with choosing between in-person and virtual care. In-person sessions offer structure and continuity at offices across Center City, University City, South Philly, and Manayunk, with easy access via SEPTA subways, trolleys, and Regional Rail. Virtual teletherapy supports flexible scheduling, privacy, and continuity during busy weeks or when commuting from neighborhoods like Fishtown or West Philly. Individual therapy provides personalized strategies for mood stabilization, sleep routines, and coping skills, while group therapy builds peer support, accountability, and relapse-prevention skills. MiResource’s directory helps you compare providers by location, specialization in Bipolar disorder, and therapeutic approach, so you can balance convenience, clinical fit, and cost.
Philadelphia’s mix of walkable corridors and neighborhood feel can shape your care plan—some clinics are near major hubs like 30th Street Station or Suburban Station, while others offer evening hours and parking to fit shift-work schedules. Many practices blend CBT, IPSRT, and medication management coordination, and some run psychoeducation or skills groups tailored to Bipolar disorder. Teletherapy can bridge gaps during Eagles game days or weather disruptions, keeping your care consistent. Use MiResource to filter for clinicians offering individual, group, or hybrid formats, check insurance, and read approach summaries to find the right match. With clear comparisons and easy scheduling links, MiResource makes it simpler to start and sustain effective Bipolar disorder care in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) coordinates citywide crisis services (including 988 linkage and mobile crisis teams) and connects residents from North Philly to South Philadelphia with outpatient and community supports; Medicaid members can also access care through Community Behavioral Health (CBH). NAMI Philadelphia offers free peer- and family-led education and support groups across Center City, West Philadelphia, and the Northeast, helping people manage bipolar disorder and navigate local resources. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) lists peer groups in the Philadelphia area, including options convenient to University City and Fishtown, for shared coping strategies and community. For navigation to food, housing, and mental health resources near your neighborhood, call or search PA 211 Southeast.
Major hospital programs offer specialized care for mood disorders: Penn Medicine’s Mood Disorders services in University City provide evaluation, medication management, and therapy, while Jefferson Health’s Behavioral Health programs are accessible from Center City and South Philly. These systems often have sliding-scale or insurance-based options and can coordinate with community services for ongoing support. You can also explore DBHIDS community partners for education, case management, and recovery supports across Kensington, Olney, and the Northeast. Use MiResource to find licensed bipolar disorder therapists in Philadelphia tailored to your needs and location.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson, Penn Presbyterian, Einstein). For 24/7 local crisis help and mobile crisis teams, call the Philadelphia Crisis Line/Mental Health Delegate Line at 215-685-6440. You can also call or text 988 (chat at https://988lifeline.org) or text HOME to 741741 for immediate support. For walk-in psychiatric assessment, use Philadelphia Crisis Response Centers; urgent care centers can assist with immediate safety needs and referrals if an ER isn’t accessible.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition defined by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as recurring episodes of elevated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania) and episodes of depression that affect energy, sleep, thinking, and daily functioning. The National Institute of Mental Health describes Bipolar disorder as a treatable condition that varies in intensity and pattern, with symptoms that can be managed through a combination of therapy, medication, and support. These mood shifts are more than ordinary ups and downs and can disrupt work, school, and relationships. Understanding Bipolar disorder helps reduce stigma and encourages timely care. You’re not alone—many people in Philadelphia live well with Bipolar disorder when they have the right support.
Common characteristics of Bipolar disorder include periods of high energy, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive decisions during mania or hypomania, followed by low mood, fatigue, and loss of interest during depression (APA DSM-5; National Institute of Mental Health). Symptoms can look different from person to person, and stress, lack of sleep, or substance use may trigger episodes. Recognizing patterns and getting professional help can lead to steadier mood, safer decision-making, and stronger relationships. For Philadelphians, knowing the signs of Bipolar disorder means being able to reach out early—to providers, family, or community supports across neighborhoods—so recovery can start sooner. With compassionate care and consistent follow-up, Bipolar disorder can be managed, and life goals can stay within reach.
Noticing changes in your mood, energy, or sleep can be the first step in recognizing the signs and symptoms of Bipolar disorder. The list below highlights the most common things people in Philadelphia report, so you can spot patterns early and consider reaching out for support. If something here resonates, you’re not alone and help is available.
- Big mood swings that feel like emotional “highs” (very energized, upbeat, or irritable) followed by deep “lows” (sad, empty, or hopeless) that last days or weeks
- Sleeping far less during “up” times and still feeling wired, or sleeping much more than usual during “down” times
- Racing thoughts, talking faster than usual, taking on lots of new plans—or feeling slowed down, stuck, and unable to focus
- Risky or impulsive choices during highs (spending sprees, substance use, unsafe driving) that don’t feel like you later
- Changes in appetite, energy, and motivation that make daily routines at work, school, or home in Philadelphia hard to keep up
- Feeling unusually confident or invincible during highs, or weighed down by guilt and self-doubt during lows
- Thoughts of self-harm or not wanting to go on—signals to seek immediate professional support
If you recognize these signs of Bipolar disorder, consider contacting a local Philadelphia provider to talk through options and next steps.
Bipolar disorder often develops from a mix of influences rather than a single cause, and understanding this can reduce stigma and promote empathy. For people in Philadelphia, it helps to know that life stressors can interact with biology and personal history in complex ways. Below is a clear breakdown of common factors that can contribute to Bipolar disorder so you can see the full picture.
- Biological: family history of mood disorders; differences in brain chemistry (messenger chemicals called neurotransmitters); sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions
- Psychological: past trauma or chronic stress; unhelpful coping patterns (e.g., impulsivity or perfectionism); co-occurring conditions like anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Environmental: major life changes (starting college, job loss, new parenthood); substance use; financial or housing instability or exposure to violence in some Philadelphia neighborhoods
Bipolar disorder can touch many parts of daily life, shaping energy, focus, and mood in ways that feel unpredictable. For people in Philadelphia, the fast pace of work, school, and family responsibilities—plus commutes and crowded spaces—can make these shifts feel even more intense. With the right support and understanding, Bipolar disorder doesn’t have to define your days, and small, steady steps can make a big difference. Whether it’s you or someone you care about, knowing the impact is the first step toward compassion and support.
- Work or school performance (focus, deadlines, attendance)
- Relationships with family, partners, and friends
- Daily routines and motivation (sleep, meals, chores, commuting on SEPTA)
- Physical health and energy (exercise, appetite, aches, fatigue)
- Emotional well-being and stress management
- Money management and decision-making
- Social life and community involvement across Philadelphia neighborhoods
Living with Bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, but there are proven, evidence-based treatments that can help you manage symptoms and improve daily life. Many people in Philadelphia find that the right combination of therapies, medications, and healthy routines leads to real progress. With support, you can build skills, stabilize mood, and move toward your goals. Help is available here in Philadelphia, and you don’t have to navigate Bipolar disorder alone.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Builds practical skills to manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that can trigger or worsen mood episodes.
- Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Focuses on steady daily routines—especially sleep and meals—to reduce mood swings and improve stability.
- Medications (mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and antidepressants when appropriate): Prescribed by a clinician to help balance mood and reduce the intensity and frequency of episodes.
- Psychoeducation: Teaches you and loved ones about Bipolar disorder, warning signs, and action plans so you can respond early and effectively.
- Lifestyle strategies: Regular sleep, exercise, balanced nutrition, and limited alcohol/substances to support brain and body health.
- Support groups and peer support: Connect with others in Philadelphia who understand Bipolar disorder, offering encouragement, shared tools, and a sense of community.
Myth: Bipolar disorder means constant mood swings; truth: most people have episodes that last days to weeks, with stable periods in between, and many lead fulfilling lives at work, school, and home in Philadelphia. Myth: It’s just extreme emotions; truth: Bipolar disorder is a medical condition involving brain and biological factors, and effective treatments like therapy and medication can help manage it. Myth: People with Bipolar disorder are unreliable or dangerous; truth: the vast majority are responsible, caring, and not violent, especially when supported and properly treated. If you or someone you love in Philadelphia is affected, compassionate care and community support can make a real difference.
Choose a calm, private time to talk and start with what you hope to get from the conversation (support, understanding, or specific help), using “I” statements to explain how Bipolar disorder affects you day to day. Set clear boundaries—let them know what topics are off-limits, how long you’re able to talk, and what kind of support is most helpful—and pause or reschedule if you feel overwhelmed. Offer to share resources so they can learn more, like NAMI Philadelphia, the City of Philadelphia’s DBHIDS website, or the 988 Lifeline, and consider sending a brief article or mood-chart app ahead of time. Remind yourself that you deserve respect; if someone isn’t supportive, lean on trusted friends, a therapist, or local support groups in Philadelphia while you continue building a safe circle.
Bipolar disorder can sometimes enter periods of relative stability on its own, especially with consistent routines, good sleep, and strong social support, but symptoms often recur and may intensify without treatment. Untreated Bipolar disorder is linked to more frequent episodes and higher risks, so relying on willpower alone isn’t a reliable path to lasting improvement. Professional care—medication, psychotherapy, and coordinated support—offers the best chance for long-term stability and relapse prevention. If you’re in Philadelphia, local health systems, community clinics, and telehealth options can help you connect with a provider to build a personalized, sustainable plan.
In your first Bipolar disorder therapy session, your therapist will start with warm introductions, explain confidentiality, and invite you to share what brings you in. You’ll discuss your current concerns and symptoms, review background like mood history, medications, and supports, and talk about what daily life looks like here in Philadelphia. Together, you’ll set initial goals—such as stabilizing routines, tracking mood, and identifying coping strategies—so you know what to expect moving forward. You can ask questions at any time, and your therapist will move at a pace that helps you feel comfortable starting care in Philly.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
